WINDHOEK – With the Religions for Peace organisation convening in Austria next week for its ninth world assembly, one Namibian delegate is optimistic the conference can have a positive impact on the country.
Director of the Windhoek Islamic Centre, Dr Armas Abdul Malik Shikongo, who will be attending the conference for the third time, said the gathering serves as a platform to discuss development issues around the globe as well as provide the opportunity for religious leaders from different faiths to meet at one platform. The focus will be on peace and how religion can contribute to efforts to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) and religious tolerance.
The conference, which sits from November 20 to November 22, will meet under the theme “Welcoming the Other: Action for Human Dignity, Citizenship and Shared Wellbeing.”
Speaking of his previous experiences at the conference , he said: “I was very impressed by the effort [of the Religions for Peace organisation] to promote harmony. The picture we see in the media is that of religion playing a negative role.”
He said contrary to widespread assumptions, the organisation promotes peace and harmony, adding that the event is very high profile where speakers present papers and reports on topics to be be discussed. On November 19 a pre-meeting will look at youth issues.
“Religious organisations are very powerful,” he said, adding that the Religions for Peace organisation understands this fact very well.
On a personal note, Shikongo said the gathering serves as a platform for him to grow as a human being and to use his faith positively.
The organisation also sponsors projects in countries where it is present, said Shikongo.
The assembly will bring together over 600 senior religious leaders, youth and women of faith representing the world’s religious traditions from over 100 countries.
There are plans to establish a chapter of the Religions for Peace in Namibia.
By Alvine Kapitako